Wireless physiological monitoring system for psychiatric patients

This thesis is concerned with the development and testing of a non-invasive device that is
unassailable, and can be placed on an aggressive psychiatric patient to monitor the vital
signs of this patient. Two devices, a glove measuring oxygen saturation and another on
the dorsal part (back) of the patient measuring heart rate via electrocardiography (ECG),
skin temperature and respiratory rate were designed and implemented. The data is
transmitted using wireless technology. Both devices connect to one central monitoring
station using two separate Bluetooth connections ensuring a total wireless setup. All the
hardware and software to measure these variables have been designed and implemented.
A Matlab graphical user interface (GUI) was developed for signal processing and
monitoring of the vital signs of the psychiatric patient. Detection algorithms were
implemented to detect ECG arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contraction and
atrial fibrillation. The prototype was manufactured and tested in a laboratory setting on
five volunteers. Satisfactory test results were obtained and the primary objectives of the
thesis were fulfilled